In June 2026, the Pew Research Center released its annual report on global restrictions on faith. The findings were staggering. According to their research, roughly three-fourths of the global population live in nations that limit the free practice of religion due to government restrictions, social hostilities, or both.

It’s a mind-boggling statistic, and an increase since their last report. The stark reality is that billions of people from all faiths or none are susceptible to persecution every day. It should spur new action.

However, these findings come at a time when the priorities of the United States and Europe are shifting, resulting in reduced political and financial support for defending religious freedom worldwide. To discern a way forward, we at the Everett Center for Global Religious Freedom at Dallas Baptist University undertook months of research, interviewing advocates from across the religious and political spectrum.

Based on our findings, no easy or quick answers exist. Yet our report, International Religious Freedom Advocacy in a Time of Disruption, does see a way forward for civil society and faith groups.

Four markers for sustained success

To help navigate this turbulent moment, we drafted a roadmap to highlight what long-term success requires. The four key provisions were:

1) Reaffirming Core Principles – Religious Freedom for All, Not Just for Mine

2) Stabilizing Existing Structures – Speaking Truth to Power

3) Broadening Interest – Expanding the Tent

4) Equipping for Durable Success – Cultivating Private Sector and Faith-based Funding.

In sum, we must steadfastly defend religious freedom for all and work in broad coalitions.

The first marker on the roadmap is support for the principle of religious freedom for all. 

Why should we take that step? It’s practical and biblical.

An environment where everyone enjoys the God-given right to freedom of conscience is one in which the church will flourish. As one pastor quipped, all Christians ask for is a level playing field where we don’t have to worry about being murdered for sharing our faith.

In contrast, past examples of authorities favoring the church have led to a shallow conviction that is more ritualistic than faith-driven. God gave us free will, and any attempt by governments to interfere will only lead to greater problems.

It’s part of the American tradition, too. Our founders, informed by experiences in Europe and colonial America, were deeply concerned about government coercion of faith, as many of the first settlers had fled religious persecution to come to these shores. In response, our Constitution forbids religious tests for high office, and the First Amendment in the Bill of Rights prohibits the establishment of religion and protects its free exercise.

Preceding documents, such as Thomas Jefferson’s Virginia Statute for Religious Freedom, criticized “all attempts to influence . . . by temporal punishments or burdens” government-enforced piety favoring Anglicanism and penalizing Baptists in colonial Virginia. James Madison, when arguing for these protections, stated that the religion of “every man must be left to the conviction and conscience of every man.”

They saw a need to limit the government’s reach into matters of faith and constructed new protections accordingly.

Second, we need to stabilize existing structures and speak truth to power. 

Many Americans are likely unfamiliar with U.S. advocacy for religious freedom abroad. U.S. government pressure has reformed oppressive laws and set captives free. I know from my past diplomatic work that we are the indispensable nation when advocating for these values, which again stem from our founding.

George Washington set the example in the first months of his presidency, establishing a high bar. In 1790, he wrote to the Jewish community of Newport, Rhode Island, declaring, “For happily the Government of the United States, … gives to bigotry no sanction, to persecution no assistance.” By choosing to write the tiny Jewish community, Washington was making a bold declaration for freedom and equality, demonstrating how our new nation would be built around shared values rather than blood.

Now, in the 21st century, we can continue this tradition globally by advocating for this right internationally. Authoritarian governments cannot ignore U.S. criticisms, which can spur needed reforms. However, as our report documents, the institutional tools created over 25 years ago when Congress passed the International Religious Freedom Act are beginning to lose steam.

To ensure robust U.S. engagement, we highlight the importance of Americans encouraging our elected leaders to fully weave religious freedom into all aspects of U.S. foreign policy. We need to celebrate when our leaders get it right or urge them to do better when they fall short.

Third, we must partner across lines of faith and politics. 

As the aforementioned Pew Research Center report documented, three-fourths of the global population live in environments that restrict the free practice of faith. Thus, Christians are susceptible to persecution, alongside others like Muslims, Jews, Hindus, Buddhists, and smaller faiths. The shared oppression creates partnership opportunities.

During my time in Washington, DC, I’ve seen how unusual coalitions often get more attention than those simply raising the concerns of their own. And as Christians, we are called to help others.

As Jesus described in the Parable of the Good Samaritan, the Samaritan ignored creed or nationality when deciding to help. And in Luke 10:37 we are told to, “Go and do likewise.” Thus, we have an obligation to demonstrate God’s love to those suffering for their beliefs, and we have the opportunity to do so in new and powerful ways.

Lastly, we must equip ourselves for long-term success. 

Ending religious persecution will take a generation or more. It won’t be cheap or easy. Resources are needed to document abuses, press for change, and rescue victims.

Choosing to find the necessary resources reflects American values and interests. As discussed, religious freedom is a core value of our nation, even before it was established 250 years ago. Yet it is also in America’s interest to advocate for religious freedom globally, as nations that support this right are more peaceful, better partners, and less likely to produce violent extremism or create migration flows.

Religious freedom for all is an American value and a Christian principle. As Paul wrote in Galatians 6:9-10,

Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up. Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all people, especially to those who belong to the family of believers.

To heed Paul’s charge, let us recommit to doing good to all, helping our persecuted brothers and sisters, while also praying and advocating for others persecuted for their beliefs.

Writer’s note: We will be discussing how Christians can respond to global persecution at our upcoming Global Religious Freedom Gathering at Dallas Baptist University on September 28-29. The Global Gathering brings together Christians across denominations, including students, pastors and laity, ministry leaders and advocates, all committed to advancing religious freedom worldwide.

 

 

Denison Forum